praetorian

adjective

prae·​to·​ri·​an prē-ˈtȯr-ē-ən How to pronounce praetorian (audio)
variants or less commonly pretorian
1
often capitalized : of, forming, or resembling the Roman imperial bodyguard
2
: of or relating to a praetor
praetorian noun often capitalized

Examples of praetorian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If Trump seeks an unconstitutional third term in 2028, one potential scenario could play out: A loyalist praetorian guard like that would be a threat to kill protesters and fight security units still loyal to the Constitution. — Joe Wright, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025 On a nearby hill overlooking the highway was the chemical warfare battalion base for the 4th Armored Division, an elite unit led by Assad’s younger brother Maher and which had acted as a sort of praetorian guard for his government. — Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of praetorian was in the 15th century

Rhymes for praetorian

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Browse Nearby Words

praetor
praetorian
praetorian cohort
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Cite this Entry

“Praetorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/praetorian. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

praetorian

1 of 2 adjective
prae·​to·​ri·​an
prē-ˈtōr-ē-ən,
-ˈtȯr-
1
: of or relating to a Roman praetor
2
often capitalized : of, relating to, or being the bodyguard of a Roman emperor
the praetorian guard

praetorian

2 of 2 noun
often capitalized
: a member of the praetorian guard
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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